Sussex Police strikes suspended

SUSSEX Police strikes planned for this morning have been suspended after the government agreed to open further negotiations over pay.

Around 1,500 UNISON members in the county were due to join forces around the country in forming picket lines.

But the strikes, as well as plans for a month-long ban on voluntary overtime - due to start on January 5, 2015, have also been withdrawn as talks take place.

The union is asking for a three per cent pay rise, or £500 (whichever is greater) on police staff pay points, but have so far been offered a 1 per cent increase.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Suspending the strike action provides a window of opportunity for positive talks between UNISON and the employers.

“We welcome the decision by the employers to work with the union to achieve an improved offer which we can put to our members.

“UNISON is serious about getting a better deal for police staff this year. Our members play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and they deserve a salary that recognises this.”

UNISON members in the police service work in jobs such as 999 call takers, police community support officers, scenes of crime officers, fingerprint experts, financial investigators, detention officers, and a wide range of operational and organisational support roles.